January 20, 2005

Women triumph over Huston-Tillotson, 78-45 see Page 14

THE

PAN AMERICAN

T h e S t u d e n t N e w s p a p e r o f T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Te x a s - P a n A m e r i c a n

January 20, 2005

Crime Costs:

Reynosa evaluates consequences of city corruption

By ELIZABETH GARCIA The Pan American Reynosa has been a popular spot among locals, tourists and Winter Texans for many years. However, recent events have placed our Mexican neighbors under a negative spotlight and there is uncertainty as to how it will affect them in the long run.

Attention was brought to the situation in late September Franco Caballero/The Pan American when the U.S. Consulate in ANDALÉ – Visitors from Wisconsin take a peek at Matamoros issued a warning Mercado Zaragoza just across the border in Reynosa, to the public stating that where tourism is suffering due to recent travel warnings Reynosa had become unsafe and a rash of criminal activity. for American citizens due to

an increase of complaints about ATM robberies, abductions and assaults.

Reynosa authorities downplayed the warning. The director of the City Comptroller and Internal Affairs office in Reynosa, Victor Manuel Olivera, stated in a recent article featured in La Frontera that there had only been a total of 11 com-

plaints made by Americans between 2002 and 2004.

Earlier this month Reynosa was once again in the spotlight after Rene Izaguirre, 45, was found dead in the city of General Bravo, Nuevo Leon. Izaguirre was about to become the deputy director for Reynosa’s public safety group, as part of Mayor Francisco Garcia Cabeza de

Vaca's new administration.

Speculations are that the murder was part of an organized crime wave in the Mexican border city, but authorities have not yet found enough evidence and are still working on the case.

Arturo Salgado, viceconsul at the McAllen Mexican Consulate, told La

See REYNOSA page 11

"It’s just not safe in Reynosa anymore. The number of crimes is alarming and because we are unfamiliar with the place we have to pay attention to the warnings."

-Murray Johnson, Winter Texan from Illinois

As faculty workload reduction looms, student life is unknown variable in transition equation

By EMMA CLARK The Pan American This is the second part in a two-part series discussing the impact of a potential reduced faculty workload for UTPA. The recent news that The University of Texas-Pan American is considering reducing faculty workload has largely been met by positive reviews from those who stand to benefit most, faculty. This is understandable; however there are always complications to even the most wellintended plan.

Reducing the number of classes professors are required to teach will translate into more time for those faculty to research. In the university’s long-term push to create an enhanced research capability, this would seem to be just what the doctors ordered. But what about the students? How will they gain from the proposed change?

“The Rio Grande Valley is an underprivileged economic area. It needs graduates who will become trained professionals, and establish a tradition of college achievement,” said one anonymous UTPA professor.

“Whether that aspect will suffer with a reduced workload remains to be seen.”

Not so for Wendy Aldridge, chair of the Anthropology and Psychology Department, who explained the transition to a 9-hour workload from a 12-hour schedule, should be an easy one. She also has the expectation that change will occur overnight.

As chair of the University Task Force on Workload, Aldridge said, “While the institution moves, students need to move with it.”

The report conducted by the task

See WORKLOAD page 11

A&E Brief: Movie ticket prices set to shoot up Friday

By OMAIRA GALARZA The Pan American Moviegoers, prepare to shell out additional coinage when you plan a trip to theaters.

Mark Jan. 21 on calendars with a bold, crimson “25” because it will forever be known as TDay, the day movie ticket prices rose.

According to Judy Russell, director of investors and public relations for Carmike

Cinemas, the theater in Edinburg will experience a ticket price increase of 25 cents on Friday. This puts matinee prices at $5.50 and evening prices at $8.

The decision to raise prices was made based on an annual review of pricing each of Carmike’s markets. The question remains, will this change cause movie fans to alter their viewing habits, or will the industry become a quarter richer for each audience member?

It’s time to get ready to pay more for upcoming attractions: “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera” “Alone in the Dark” “Hide and Seek” “Boogeyman” “The Wedding Date” “Hitch”

Natalie Villarreal/The Pan American

CULTURE — Art forms and their pioneers came together Saturday during Arte Popular Exhibit at McAllen IMAS. The exhibit featured Mexico’s folk art which mirrors its history, and social, economic and cultural aspects of its society.

PAGE 2

January 20 2 0 0 5

OPINION

letters

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editorials

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cartoons

THE

PAN AMERICAN 1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 53rd Year – No. 15

http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican

Editor Clarissa Martinez clarissa_utpa@ hotmail.com

News Editors Dulce Gonzalez bluetinky10@aol.com

Emma Clark koco16@hotmail.com

A & E Editor Omaira Galarza omairang@yahoo.com

Sports Editor Joey Gomez jgomez23@panam.edu

Graphics Editors Dägoberto Pérez

The PAN AMERICAN is the official student newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan American.

Views presented are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the university.

Letters policy

bachur@mail.com

Ginmarie Mabry ohnesie@yahoo.com

Photography Editor Franco Caballero photomosaix@aol.com

Graphic/Web Design Eduardo Martinez emartinez23@panam.edu

Raul Cervantes racervantes1@ panam.edu

Delisa Guadarrama vivalaconga@aol.com

Reporters Jacob Alegria Lylony Cazares Daryl Gonzales Joey Hinojosa Selene Garza

The Pan American gladly accepts letters from students, staff and faculty regarding newspaper content or current issues.

The Pan American reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. Please limit submission length to 300 words. The Pan American cannot publish anonymous letters, or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Letters are printed at the discretion of the editor and must include the writer’s name, class/title and phone number.

Photographers Joel de la Rosa Marcos Cervantes Copy Editor Jason Chapa Secretary Diana Corpus Garza CAS 170 381-2541 Adviser Dr. Greg Selber CAS 154 292-7201 selberg@panam.edu Delivery Anthony Pinal Thursday noon

Readers with disabilities may request an alternative format of this publication at The Pan American business office.

For special assistance to attend any event listed in this publication, contact the coordinator of the event at least one week prior to the advertised date.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: To the Editor, An anonymous comment in Emma Clark’s story published in the Jan. 13 issue of The Pan American indicates that the speaker understands scholarship (research and publication) as somehow detracting from, or standing in opposition to, teaching. I have heard similar comments frequently expressed on this campus. One scholar, whose name I cannot now remember, addressed this attitude succinctly and effectively. Research and publication are to teaching what sin is to confession: you cannot do the one without doing the other.

Other than the teaching of basic skills such as writing and working math problems, what do teachers have to offer their students but out-dated material if they are not

learning themselves? I, for one, do not think merely reading books and journals is all that is necessary to keep up with a discipline. Our writing-across-the-curriculum program is based on the proposition that one learns about a subject most effectively when writing about it. Does this proposition hold true only for students? I doubt there is anyone on this campus who would consult a physician who had acquired his or her medical education using ten-year-old textbooks.

Do we really think it acceptable or appropriate to provide students in other disciplines with out-dated educations? It seems to me that students who want the best education possible ought to demand that their professors be professionally

active scholars. They also ought to demand that the university do whatever it can to promote and facilitate the research and publication activities of its faculty. In this regard, released time for scholarly activity is a good start, but one that needs to be followed up with other kinds of support such as larger book and journal budgets for the library and increased support for research-related travel.

To the Editor, Let’s start a controversy over the current construction on University Drive, win or lose. If anything, this will serve as an expression of aggression stemming from restlessness. West Hwy 107, also known as University Drive to UTPA students, is currently under road improvement service. As any form of road improvement begins with the restructuring by collapsing of the road with its current conditions, one can expect problems with traffic as the public may not be familiar with the changes. This leads to the question: Why would the city of Edinburg decide to embark on road

improvement on Hwy 107 at a time that coincides with the beginning of a school semester? The question is valid because of the variables involved. Parking and traffic have been terrible for UTPA students for a while, granted, but it is considerably worse at the beginning of a semester, as many students are still trying to visit university offices and are also getting used to a whole new time schedule. West Hwy 107 is one of three major streams that lead students to Lake UTPA. Consider the level of traffic at this time and consider that these students have not been to Edinburg in a month. Did the city of Edinburg consider the entire situ-

ation and was there enough done to prepare the public for the changes? Does UTPA have open lines of communication with the local governing body? Do they understand that if the construction had begun in the middle of the semester it would have been easier to inform students of the changes?

The intense ebb and flow of traffic is due to the students of the university and as future leaders of the community they deserve the respect of consideration.

Donald J. Newman Associate Professor of Literature Member, University Library Committee

Omar Rodriguez Junior

NEWS

Texas Legislature . . . . . . . . 4 Grad school. . . . . . . . . 5 Inauguration rally. . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Local colleges race for enrollment

UTB/TSC’s rising numbers compete with UTPA

By JEREMIAH GONZALES The Pan American

With higher education possibilities increasing in the Rio Grande Valley, the various institutions line up to battle over a growing student population.

Enrollment at the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College has been at a steady increase in recent semesters. A recent article in The Brownsville Herald reported that UTB-TSC is aiming for a record high of 12,000 students this spring. Last spring there were 10,952 students enrolled and 11,121 students in the fall. There were close to 11,720 students enrolled this semester according to the UTB-TSC Information Systems. Though the University of Texas-Pan American bears no malice toward its academic neighbor, we still have to wonder: Could the newly registered Scorpions at UTB-TSC be potential Broncs here at UTPA? The majority of the students up for grabs would be those who live in Harlingen and its surrounding cities. Depending on where you live in

Health news

Water safe to drink; but who’s drinking?

By LYLONY CAZARES The Pan American A Rio Grande Valley town’s water is now safe to drink, even though a byproduct in the water exceeded the state’s allowable limit for the fourth quarter of 2004.

The City of Mercedes water system was notified by the Texas Commission on Environment Quality (TCEQ) that the city’s water had exceeded the maximum allowable level for trihalomethanes (TTHM). Trihalomethanes are a group of four chemicals formed when chlorine or other disinfectants used to control contaminants in drinking water react with organic matters.

By the TCEQ’s drinking water standards the maximum allowable limit for TTHM in a municipal’s supply of water is 0.080 milligrams per liter (mg/L).

Mercedes’ water sampling showed a quantity of .082 mg/L of TTHMs. TTHM is a disinfection byproduct of chlorine, which is formed when chlorine reacts with the organic matter within water, according to David Salinas, City of Mercedes spokesperson.

Salinas explained that federal government studies have discovered that there are several heath concerns about drinking water that contains the maximum allowable level of TTHMs.

See WATER SAFETY page 12

Harlingen, either school could be closer. Eric Sanchez, 21, and Elizabeth Pulido, 23 are two borderline examples.

Both are college students who live in Harlingen, but each attend a different institution.

Sanchez, a junior and music major, attends UTBTSC and drives to school three times a week. He says his choice in schools was not determined by location.

“The fact that it’s closer doesn’t really matter to me,” he said. “I had heard that at the time Brownsville had a better music program, and that’s why I go.”

Sanchez said he may consider going to UTPA but for now will continue attending UTB-TSC. He did say he believes that most students attend a school based on its convenience.

“Most students going to Brownsville are going for 2-year programs or people getting their basics,” he said. “And why drive all the way to Edinburg just to get your basics?”

Pulido, a senior and English major, commutes to UTPA twice a week. According to MapQuest.com, her drive is 15 minutes longer than a drive to UTB-TSC would be from her house. She says the longer drive does not matter because UTPA is where she wants to be.

“Pan Am is academically larger than Brownsville,” she said. “It has more options,

Texas University Enrollment UTB-TSC Estimated enrollment

UTPA

11,720

17,000

Academic programs

37

58

Student/Faculty ratio

18:1

23:1

$3,453

$3,192

Tuition and fees more available classes, and a good reputation. I know Brownsville is closer than Edinburg, but for me it’s not that big of a difference.”

Pulido also believes that despite UTB-TSC’s rising student population, it will not pose a problem for UTPA. “Everybody that I know from my high school has gone to or is currently going to Pan Am. I don’t think UTB is any kind of threat to Pan Am,”

she said.

There are factors other than location that help students decide where to go to college. Student enrollment, student/faculty ratio, academic programs, and tuition are important factors in choosing a school.

Along with UTB-TSC, there has been significant growth at UTPA. There are currently

See ENROLLMENT page 12

CRIME BEAT:

Lawsuits seem norm: UT-Austin frat member sues for $25 million

By RENEE CAVAZOS The Pan American The days when people used to take responsibility for themselves and their own actions are rapidly becoming replaced by the option to file frivolous lawsuits and suing.

It seems that this trend has now spread to students. The Austin AmericanStatesman first reported the story of 20year-old Wesley Holloway, a former member of the University of Texas fraternity Alpha Tau Omega, who is now suing his fraternity for $25 million.

Back in 2003, after having consumed several beers, Holloway, according to the lawsuit had “belly-flopped” into a pool the frat members made out of bales of hay and plastic sheets.

The pool was only filled with one foot of water. The plaintiff, Holloway, hit his head on a bale of hay, and his lawyer Robert Alden said that, “he is now paralyzed except for his shoulders and his biceps.”

The $25 million lawsuit was filed on the basis that the fraternity was negligent and built a pool that “lacked proper design, lighting, warning signs, and other things required under city ordinance.”

Ramond Orta, a junior initiate of Phi Sigma Kappa at the University of Texas-

Pan American, had prior knowledge concerning the lawsuit and said,” I don’t think the guy had a right to sue the house he pledged to become a member.”

“He shouldn’t hold the fraternity responsible for something as stupid as that,” Orta said.

ATO’s lawyer Jim Ewbank said in the Statesman, ”All of his frat brothers feel terrible that it happened, but legally speaking, we think he (Holloway) was responsible for this.”

Even though Orta felt the “I don’t think the guy same, he also said “The fraterhad a right to sue the nity should have watched out and house he pledged to made sure things like this become a member,” could not hap-Ramond Orta, pen.”

Phi Sigma Kappa pledge He added that not all frat parties are like that and that this was an isolated incident.

“Phi Sigma Kappa parties are first and foremost safe,” he said, “All minors are marked at the door.”

The members of the fraternity also take extra precautions to make sure nothing can

go wrong in their house and no trouble will be caused.

They described their parties as “safe, but really, really fun.”

For years lawsuits like these have been mounting. Locally, back in the beginning of 1990 the Rio Grande Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted to establish Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse.

Scott Allex, former staff coordinator for the organization, said that they formed in response to a rampant amount of frivolous cases being filed and won here in the Valley.

Allex described it as a “plaintiff’s paradise,” and that attorneys were actually pushing to have trials in the Valley because the jurors would basically let them win the case.

“Claims went through the roof,” before the Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse was formed, Allex said.

Concerning the Holloway case Allex said, “It is sad that people can’t take responsibility for their actions, and this lawsuit sounds like a lawsuit without merit.”

Allex still maintained that the courts are open for anyone to seek justice, but “…that doesn’t mean one guy deserves $25 million for belly-flopping into a pool.”

Janurary 20, 2005

POLITICAL NEWS

Page 4

UTPA student tackles electoral race Gary Rodriguez vies for position of mayor of McAllen in hopes of change

By KRISTINA CAVAZOS The Pan American The city of McAllen is getting ready for a mayoral race this year, to replace current mayor Leo Montalvo. One candidate, Gary Rodriguez, envisions growth, unity and change for the city.

Rodriguez is a native of McAllen whose father was a mechanical engineer, who earned a degree at Pan American College. As a young man his family moved to Dallas, and in 1977 he joined the Army. While in the Army, Rodriguez was trained as a motion picture photographer, where he filmed documentaries on various military innovations.

“One such event was the making of a huge vehicle which we now know as the Humvee, which of course, was termed something else back then,” he said.

After his release, he said he had an “inner calling” to return and make his home in McAllen.

Upon his return, he worked for local radio station KVLY. “It was easy due to my extensive training in the military,” Rodriguez said. He then became the news director for KBFM B-104 for 12 years, becoming extensively involved with the commu-

nity.

“Because of my long relation“We need to stop the scheming ship with this job, I became very against each other, we need to involved with important agencies such as Easter Seals, March of support each other to progress as a Dimes, Special Olympics, the true metropolitan region.”

Chamber of Commerce and Gary Rodriguez , many other inspiring agencies,” McAllen may soral candidate Rodriguez said.

It was not long after that up a Senior City Commission where senior citiRodriguez was named as Public Information zens who have seen the growth of the great city, Officer for Hidalgo County. He commented that can assist with their experiences and ideas. he was a big part of building a positive image for Rodriguez said that not only McAllen and the the County and its citizens. surrounding cities are growing at a very fast pace.

Rodriguez is a busy man, and has been Over one million in Valley population according involved in many other activities during his to the 2000 Census, it is difficult to see at times extensive career. He has opened up an advertising where one city ends and another begins. agency, been a voice for the Boys and Girls Club On how this rapid growth can be accommoof McAllen, and held various leadership roles. dated, he said, “We need to work together and When asked what immediate changes he saw stop the parochialism. We need to stop the schemfor McAllen, he said, “I believe that all people ing against each other, we need to support each should have a voice and be heard. The concerns other to progress as a true metropolitan region.” of the public should be of utmost importance, and As mayor of McAllen, Rodriguez said he open up the public-comment portion of the would like to set up a large conference table Commissioners Meetings early on so that people where representatives from The University of don’t have to wait so long to speak and have their Texas-Pan American and South Texas College concerns heard.” can meet to discuss common interests and investHe also explained he would like to introduce ments in the education of our students. Rodriguez a Junior City Commission organization, in order himself is a political science major at UTPA. to help the youth of the Valley take part in the “I believe we need to extend our hands to one process. another, because concerns such as traffic flow, In addition, he said he would also like to open

Back in session: Valley reps take local issues to state level

By ANGELA SALAZAR The Pan American The Texas Legislature is back in session and various topics that have made way to the top of the list. All members of the Legislature have been back in business in Austin, since Jan. 11. The 79th general session will be held for the next 140 days.

A Rio Grande Valley delegation made up of House District Representatives Ismael “Kino” Flores, Armando Martinez, Aaron Pena and Veronica Gonzales form a newly elected group of voices for the Valley. This delegation also includes State Congressmen Ruben Hinojosa and Lloyd Doggett, plus state senators Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Eddie Lucio.

“What we are faced with are reforms for school financing and health,” said Gonzales. “The biggest [issue] is school financing. Trying to find a way to get children equal education and more money for teachers is the main topic.”

For many years these two reforms have been on the minds of all Texans, especially those who live in the Valley. School financing and health care always seem to be the topics of choice when elections come up.

According to the Texas Senate Web site, health care reform is mostly to help with worker’s compensation. Senator Todd Staples of Palestine presented a bill to reform it to the legislature.

“In Texas, we spend far more to treat on-the-job injuries, but we get far worse results,” Staples said, “At the same time, our injured employees are off work longer,

are less likely to return to work and are often less satisfied with the care they receive.”

Worker’s compensation is used when a worker sustains an injury on the job. It works as a type of insurance that pays for the worker while he or she is out. In the long run worker’s compensation benefits the employee.

Another important reform is education, specifically finances to pay for public school education. A new bill would lower property taxes, but could raise motor vehicle, cigarette, and alcohol taxes. A bonus to this reform however, is that it may increase teacher salaries to the “Trying to find a national average with technology way to get children endowments and equal education other improveand more money ments. The old Robin Hood sysfor teachers is the tem is out and so main topic,” is the jury on -Veronica Gonzales, which type of Texas House fundraising Representative scheme will take its place.

The main concern for students at the University of Texas-Pan American seems to be financial aid and the ever rising cost of tuition, although these concerns have not yet been brought up at the session. The new budget proposal threatens to reduce state funding for higher education, as happened two years ago.

It seems year after year tuition and the

and other issues are common to both. One of the biggest challenges is the huge parking issue. We need to find a way to alleviate parking for both STC and UTPA.” Rodriguez aspires to attain his law degree to assist him in helping others. He stated that with proper planning, there is still much to be done in McAllen and the surrounding area’s.

“I want to advance our productivity, so let’s get together and address our challenges together.

This means listening to our college youth, as well as our senior citizens. Everybody has value to enhancing our quality of life, everybody. We need to listen to the poor and rich alike,” Rodriguez said.

He added that he is willing to answer any questions at any meetings so that people can get to know him and understand what policies and procedures he hopes to implement.

UTPA political science student Jennifer Luna said that it was exciting to see candidates looking at involving citizens of all ages in their decisions.

“It is not often that a student of college age is listened to merely because we are young,” Luna said. “In the past, many political appointees ignored our generation and felt we had nothing to contribute.”

Vanessa Gonzales, a senior management major, said it would be nice to see a partnership “between mayors from the surrounding cities and our university since we all serve the same population in education.”

FLORES

GONZALES

prices of books DOGGETT keep rising.

Books alone can cost several hundreds of dollars, and some students cannot afford them.

“Education is the most important thing,” said A d r i a n a Martinez, senior international business major. “If financial aid is taken away eventually people will be working full time and working harder for tuition than working on their grades. It might not seem a lot to some, but to others it is.”

In an economically disadvantaged area, financial aid and loans seem the only way to pay for a semester of college. Dr. Samuel Freeman, a political science professor here at UTPA has a lot to say on the subject.

“The most important issue the legislature should work on, but will not, is an equitable tax structure that provides the state with adequate revenue,” Freeman said. “Specifically, the state should adopt a state income tax.”

“This would solve the problem of school finance. Right now, school finance suffers from two interrelated problems,” he said.

Yet another rule that is already in effect, but could ultimately affect future students of UTPA is the top ten-percent

HINOJOSA

rule, allowing the top ten percent of students in Texas high schools to be automatically admitted to any state university or college.

Gov. Rick Perry is considering doing away with the rule because it does not promote diversity among the admitted students. There are so many students admitted under the rule that legislators are considering capping the number at 50 percent.

“Another issue is whether or not to do away with the ten percent rule. The governor thinks it is not working.” Gonzales said.

The hopes of a decision on the worker’s compensation reform and the school financing reform are high. The Legislative session is on a break until Jan. 21. It is still early, but it seems as though this session is determined to get as much done as possible.

Anyone wanting more information on any of the reforms mentioned above can go to the State Senate website at www.senate.state.tx.us.

NEWS

January 20, 2005

Page 5

Graduate students qualify for benefits

By JESSICA MUNIZ The Pan American It is an exciting time for an alumnus to pursue graduate school, yet at the same time it can be very stressful when the student also wants to work.

To help alleviate the problem, job opportunities are available on campus for graduate students; if qualified, he or she may receive employment benefits.

For the 2005 spring semester at The University of Texas-Pan American, there are a total of 94 graduate students enrolled who will be pursuing their doctoral degree, 1,852 who will be pursuing their master’s and 292 who are post-master’s students.

Employment benefits are available to students who meet certain qualifications. A student must be registered for nine hours of graduate course work and employed at least 20 hours a week or more at UTPA to receive employment benefits.

Student employees learn about the benefits available to them through their working department, the Office of Human Resources, flyers, orientations, e-mail notices and by word of mouth.

Graduate students who also have families should take into consideration the insurance plans available to them through student benefits.

According to Gloria Silva, benefits manager of Human Resources, student benefits can come into good use at a time of need.

“For anyone to receive employment benefits it is a blessing because it is a comfort to know that when an emergency arises insurance plans will help pay the bills,” Silva said.

The benefits manager stressed that students should look into employment benefits because doing so will assist them in the near future to prevent large bills, especially if they have a family to support or children who are constantly getting sick.

“I would strongly encourage the graduate students on campus to look into the employment benefits to their advantage because insurance is a relief from paying enormous bills,” Silva added.

Employment benefits consist of medical insurance plans, dental insurance, and vision insurance.

Students who are qualified to receive this must work full-time or part-time only.

Oscar Barrenchera, an engineering research assistant and alumni of Monterey Tech, is enrolled this semester at UTPA and has hoped to receive employment benefits ever since he first heard of the program.

“I would love to receive employment benefits, because I am an international student, but am not qualified because I am not taking enough hours to be considered full-time. But for those who are eligible it is good for them to take advantage of it,” Barrenchera said.

Jason Ortega, another graduate student on campus, has heard about the employment benefits available.

Since he meets the qualifications he is definitely considering the program.

According to Ortega, a recent graduate of Cornell University of Ithaca, N.Y., he became aware of the program by seeing flyers posted on bulletin boards around campus. He wants to take advantage of the opportunity as soon as possible.

Ortega is now pursuing his master’s in biology.

“I have a need for medical assistance in my life and I would enjoy having an insurance plan with vision and dental,” Ortega said.

“Everybody needs to have some sort of insurance plan because emergencies can happen anytime and if it does at least your insured.”

For more information, graduate student employees should contact the Office of Human Resources at 381-2551.

Employee Benefits for graduate students

Source: UTPA Benefit Cost Worksheet

Library makes college life easier

By Aurelio Rodriguez-Medrano

For any new student the University of Texas-Pan American Library might seem intimidating from both the inside and the outside. Already students are anxious about any future assignments that might send them to what seems to be an unexplored part of campus.

The large amount of students in the lobby does not necessarily reflect student knowledge about library services. To survive, college students must be familiar with what is available.

The library is open for business seven days a week, with different but convenient opening and closing hours. Safety is not a problem for late-night owls; a campus police officer is just a phone call away.

nology fee included in student tuition each semester. According to the UTPA Undergraduate Catalog, each student is charged $6.75 per credit hour. For example, a student enrolled in 12 credit hours would be charged a technology fee of $81.

All students are able to use the media lab, but students from one particular college can always be found using it.

“Most students are from the art department and they mostly use

Joel De La Rosa/ The Pan American

“If the student wants to, all they have to do is come to the circulation desk and ask for a police escort,” said Jose Tamez, a library clerk.

The police escort will then take the student to their car or dorm building if they live on campus.

Also available to students is the media lab, one of the library’s hidden resources. Tucked away on the fourth floor, the lab is a quiet haven for those with work to do, with computer stations with their own scanners, printers, and a wide array of advanced editing software and macromedia programs such as Flash and, Studio 9 Pinnacle.

“Each computer station cost $3,000 to $4,000,” said lab clerk Joe Reyna, who added that the lab receives its funding from the tech-

the graphic, photo and movie editing software,” said Reyna.

Besides a large amount of electronic equipment, the library has also amassed a large amount of bound documents. The collection consists of more than 417,300 volumes, 21,500 government documents, 5,300 audiovisual materials, and 2,035 annual periodical title subscriptions.

But as well as sifting through all that information, imagine being able to read first-hand accounts of the U.S.-Mexican War. In about a year and a half, UTPA students will be able do just that.

Dr. Mercedes De Vega, who is in charge of the ‘Acervo Historico,’ or document repository, in Mexico City, offered to provide documents dating from 1822 through 1855 to the UTPA library.

In order to make this happen the library searched for a organization that could help with the costs of bringing such valuable documents to the Rio Grande Valley.

They found their answer in the Summerlee Foundation based in Dallas. According to its Web site, the Summerlee Foundation is an organization whose mission is partially to support research and education projects that relate to Texas history. It is a non-profit charitable organization founded by Dallas philanthropist Annie Lee Roberts.

The Foundation will help with the considerable $20,000 cost for scanning and compiling of documents onto DVD and an online index.

Composed of 12,500 documents and approximately 25,000 to 30,000 pages, it consists of “personal letters, newspaper clippings, and government reports,” said Lawrence Caylor, UTPA Library director.

“Students will have the advantage of working with documents written by presidents of both Mexico and the United States,” Caylor said.

The library expects a larger surge of patrons due to the importance of these documents, he explained.

Media lab programs Y Flash Y Studio Pinnacle Y Dreamweaver Y Corel Draw Y Adobe Photoshop Y Windows Movie Y Illustrator

January 20, 2005

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 6

A&E

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT “Elektra” . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 & 9 Symphony . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

New book chronicles history of

ACID

By SELENE GARZA The Pan American

Eduardo Martinez/The Pan American

Going wireless

By SARAI GARCIA The Pan American

College syllabi include a warning, “Please turn off cell phones,” but students rarely power off.

Instead, they walk from building to building while sending text messages, talk on the phone, check stocks from wireless web function, or even watch one of five television stations if they have a Samsung MM-A700 by Sprint.

Society is thoroughly entertained by all the gizmos and gadgets that money can buy. The holidays just ended and many people are now basking in the entertaining qualities of Plasma TVs, digital cameras, camcorders. Technology is entertainment. New camera phones, wireless networks, LCD screens, palm pilots and so much more are common technology.

Courtesy of google.com

PORTABLE - Netgear’s wireless PC card recognizes wireless networks and allows users to access those networks without plugging anything into the computer.

According to Global Sources, a Web site about product and trade information for buyers, “Portability and wireless entertainment are the major trends that will characterize supply of computer products in 2005.”

One of the newest products in home entertainment is the Entertainment PC. The Philips-Freeline Entertainment PC has built-in wireless technology. The computer is pre-configured to work with a family of wireless and broadband entertainment equipment allowing music, photos, games and the Internet to be accessed in the home anywhere and any time.

According to J.C. Salinas, senior sales associate at the La Plaza Mall RadioShack in McAllen, “The advantages [to a wireless computer] is you can move it around, anywhere in your home.

Even if you don’t have wireless right now, you can use a wireless network adaptor and move your computer.”

RadioShack also sells multi-functioning remote signal hubs that allow users the availability of networking to other electronic entertainment devices like stereos and DVD players. However, these new technologies do not come without disadvantages.

Still, Salinas said that he cannot think of any disadvantages of going wireless because the risk of someone hacking into a computer system is the same regardless of whether the individual has a landline or wireless.

Wireless electronics are not only

See TECH page 10

Has anyone ever wondered how lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) came to be? Okay, maybe I might be the only one, but for those who have, then this book will definitely be of interest. Martin A. Lee and Bruce Shlain worked hand in hand to write a book that creates a plethora of facts, events and conspiracy-inspired information for the paranoid at heart.

“Acid Dreams: The Complete History of LSD, the CIA, the Sixties, and Beyond,” takes us back to the beginning of the entire acid trip. The prologue begins in 1938 in the Sandoz Laboratories in Basel, Switzerland where Dr. Albert Hofman was searching for “an analeptic compound, [a circulatory stimulant].” After several attempts, Hofman wound up with the 25th series of ergot, a

Documents Used in “Acid Dreams” Letters to Timothy Leary Letters to Allen Ginsberg Declassified: CIA Mind Control Documents

dried fungus used to make LSD, hence the name LSD-25. Hofman ingested the concoction and reported in his log a feeling of “remarkable but not unpleasant state of intoxication…”

The book moves further into the distribution of the drug and how the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was in search of a truth serum to use against Russian communists and communists captured in the United States. Lee and Shlain reported that the CIA went to great lengths to search for such a serum through random testing on agents, civilians and even hosting parties at “halfway houses” set up by the agency. The book also reveals that the CIA not only meddled with LSD as a truth serum. But also heroin, marijuana and cocaine – all for the sake of finding this truth serum to fend off those “dirty Commies!”

The first five chapters are part of the section, In the Beginning There Was

See ACID page 10

Symphony pops concert

By GUSTAVO RAMIREZ The Pan American Music fans in the Valley are in store for new and familiar sounds as the Valley Symphony Orchestra (VSO) prepares to take the stage Jan. 28 at the McAllen Civic Center.

The VSO is well known throughout the area. It is a university and community orchestra which presents a six-concert subscription series annually. The VSO also performs several other concerts each year throughout the area and northern Mexico, and internationally recognized artists take part as guest soloists.

This special matinee concert starting at 4 p.m. is not part of the VSO’s annual sixconcert subscription series.

The VSO will be sharing the stage for the first time with the South Texas Symphony. The joint concert brings both popular and original scores of music to the masses.

“It’s a symphonic pops extravaganza,” said Dr. Peter Dabrowski, VSO music director and conductor. “That means basically that the program is designed in such a way that the pieces are popular and recognizable.”

Popular classic works such as “Hungarian Dance” by Johannes Brahms and “Liszt Piano Concerto” by Franz Listz will have to share the stage with the likes of “Mission Impossible” by Lalo Schiffrin.

But not all the pieces are old favorites.

The VSO will also perform a new and orig-

See POPS page 10

JANUARY 20, 2005

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 8

JANUARY 20, 2005

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 9

A MARVEL-LESS MOVIE

There appears to be a formula that takes a comic book from page to screen.

Male and female alike, the hero needs to fulfill the cliché “if looks could kill,” talk tough and have a walk that makes the opposite These ridiculous handles may spark a desire to smirk, but surprisingly, there is actually a logical explanation for each sex’s jaw drop. name. Animals emerge from Chris Story by Omaira Galarza

Directed by Rob Bowman; written by Zak Penn, Stuart Zicherman, Raven Metzner; photographed

by Bill Roe; edited by Kevin Stitt; production designed by Graeme Murray; music by Christophe Beck; produced by Arnon Milchan, Gary Foster, Avi Arad. A Twentieth Century Fox release; opens Friday. Running time: 1:37. MPAA rating: PG-13 (action violence).

Elektra - Jennifer Garner Stick - Terence Stamp Abby Miller - Kirsten Prout Mark Miller - Goran Visnjic Roshi - Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Kirigi - Will Yun Lee

Reviewer Grade: ++/ 4 stars

Ackerman’s character’s tattoos and torment his enemies, Typhoid (Natassia Malthe) strikes anyone she touches with the fatal disease, Stone (Bob Sapp) has a physique as solid as concrete, and Kinokou has better balance than the most seasoned gymnast.

If Elektra’s sensei had not expelled her from his training compound because she could not be taught “The Way,” maybe she would have foreseen the goal of The Hand.

Considering that she has to deal with all these intense situations and more, Garner (“Daredevil,” “Alias”) valiantly portrays the many layers of the ominous Elektra; unfortunately the storyline was not as successful.

The production design and natural setting was triumphant in easing headaches from plot overflow as well as emphasizing key elements in the tone of each scene. The Hand’s conference room was chic with menacing sharp lines and angles that could slice a person as quickly as Kirigi’s swords.

Stick, who is the antithesis of Kirigi and his men, trains his pupils in a mountain retreat, so open and pure that the audience can breathe in the clarity the environment creates. Even with eyes

Scantily, scarlet-garbed Elektra meets these criteria, but the plot would make the obsessive-compulsive heroine see red. The writers, Zak Penn (“X2,” “Behind Enemy Lines”) and Stuart Zickerman & Raven Metzner (“Deathlok”) were too ambitious to explain everything thoroughly in a span of 96 minutes.

“Elektra” introduces the title character, played by Jennifer Garner, as the warrior who makes a choice that tips the balance between good and evil. That sounds like enough for one character to deal with. However, Elektra also harbors painful memories of her mother’s murder, which tends to lead to a desire for vengeance.

Apparently an assassin must curb those vengeful desires, at least for a while. She receives an assignment worth $2 million, but she must arrive at the location two days in advance to await the names of the targets. In that short time, she reluctantly befriends a father and daughter, who happen to be the people the job requires her to terminate.

She decides to protect them and (LEFT FROM TOP) of course there are a few brief scenes Elektra (Jennifer Garner) devoted to a love interest Mark Miller, the father played by “E.R.’s” and Kirigi (Will Yun Lee) Goran Visnjic. He comes with bagwage their final battle. gage though, in this case his daughter Abby Miller (Kirsten Prout), who The poisonous Typhoid develops a strong mother-daughter, (Natassia Malthe) has student-mentor bond with Elektra.

Elektra in her deadly The attraction between Elektra and clutches.

Mark was likely injected into the story to appeal to viewers who prefer love stories to action flicks, but Elektra is unbeatable at lacked substantial development and growth. They have one conversation Stick’s training comabout the origin of her name and they pound. are, in the words of “Bambi’s” hyperactive bunny Thumper, “twit(RIGHT) Garner returns terpated.” as Elektra, a warrior who This choice creates more com- stands in the center of plication upon the arrival of The Hand, a group of ninja assassins that the ultimate battle between good and evil, in is after Mark and Abby. It takes Elektra nearly half the film to figure the first action event film out why the ninjas are desperate to of the year. capture the pair. The assassin team leader is Kirigi, played by Yun Lee (“Die Another Day”) and his group is composed of Tattoo, Typhoid, Stone and Kinokou.

closed the polarity between the two

groups is easy to identify—the voices of The Hand’s members cause a vibration to pulse up any spine with the brevity and coldness in their words; while the defensive clicking of the “Bo Sticks” at Stick’s retreat are almost soothing.

Words of wisdom were littered throughout the film, but were questionable at times, such as a moment when Elektra attempts to soothe her student with the words, “Everbody lies Abby.

Nobody tells the truth.”

Terence Stamp, well known for his role as General Zod, the supervillain from “Superman” and “Superman II,” brought in an array of more traditional wholesome proverbs with his character Stick. At times it sounded as if he was quoting from a pocketbook of proverbs, but the messages still have staying power.

“Some lessons can’t be taught, they must be lived,” Stick said.

In “reality” one of the lessons we learn is unlike movies life does not have a soundtrack. The perfect song or musical score will not boom from the heavens during crucial moments in life.

“Elektra” was filled with more music than dialogue, which probably explains why Stick utters phrase after phrase of influential words any time he is on screen.

Composer Christophe Beck (“Under the Tuscan Sun,” “Bring it On”) scored this film so beautifully that at times it feels like watching a music video. By the end of the film, the balance between good and evil is tipped, but the balance between intense and mellow music is in equilibrium.

Garner’s performance as Elektra makes her a hero to an overambitious story, but the villainous writers do an injustice to a genre that was heading in a positive direction with films like “Spiderman,” “X-Men,” and their sequels.

JANUARY 20, 2005

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 8

JANUARY 20, 2005

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 9

A MARVEL-LESS MOVIE

There appears to be a formula that takes a comic book from page to screen.

Male and female alike, the hero needs to fulfill the cliché “if looks could kill,” talk tough and have a walk that makes the opposite These ridiculous handles may spark a desire to smirk, but surprisingly, there is actually a logical explanation for each sex’s jaw drop. name. Animals emerge from Chris Story by Omaira Galarza

Directed by Rob Bowman; written by Zak Penn, Stuart Zicherman, Raven Metzner; photographed

by Bill Roe; edited by Kevin Stitt; production designed by Graeme Murray; music by Christophe Beck; produced by Arnon Milchan, Gary Foster, Avi Arad. A Twentieth Century Fox release; opens Friday. Running time: 1:37. MPAA rating: PG-13 (action violence).

Elektra - Jennifer Garner Stick - Terence Stamp Abby Miller - Kirsten Prout Mark Miller - Goran Visnjic Roshi - Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Kirigi - Will Yun Lee

Reviewer Grade: ++/ 4 stars

Ackerman’s character’s tattoos and torment his enemies, Typhoid (Natassia Malthe) strikes anyone she touches with the fatal disease, Stone (Bob Sapp) has a physique as solid as concrete, and Kinokou has better balance than the most seasoned gymnast.

If Elektra’s sensei had not expelled her from his training compound because she could not be taught “The Way,” maybe she would have foreseen the goal of The Hand.

Considering that she has to deal with all these intense situations and more, Garner (“Daredevil,” “Alias”) valiantly portrays the many layers of the ominous Elektra; unfortunately the storyline was not as successful.

The production design and natural setting was triumphant in easing headaches from plot overflow as well as emphasizing key elements in the tone of each scene. The Hand’s conference room was chic with menacing sharp lines and angles that could slice a person as quickly as Kirigi’s swords.

Stick, who is the antithesis of Kirigi and his men, trains his pupils in a mountain retreat, so open and pure that the audience can breathe in the clarity the environment creates. Even with eyes

Scantily, scarlet-garbed Elektra meets these criteria, but the plot would make the obsessive-compulsive heroine see red. The writers, Zak Penn (“X2,” “Behind Enemy Lines”) and Stuart Zickerman & Raven Metzner (“Deathlok”) were too ambitious to explain everything thoroughly in a span of 96 minutes.

“Elektra” introduces the title character, played by Jennifer Garner, as the warrior who makes a choice that tips the balance between good and evil. That sounds like enough for one character to deal with. However, Elektra also harbors painful memories of her mother’s murder, which tends to lead to a desire for vengeance.

Apparently an assassin must curb those vengeful desires, at least for a while. She receives an assignment worth $2 million, but she must arrive at the location two days in advance to await the names of the targets. In that short time, she reluctantly befriends a father and daughter, who happen to be the people the job requires her to terminate.

She decides to protect them and (LEFT FROM TOP) of course there are a few brief scenes Elektra (Jennifer Garner) devoted to a love interest Mark Miller, the father played by “E.R.’s” and Kirigi (Will Yun Lee) Goran Visnjic. He comes with bagwage their final battle. gage though, in this case his daughter Abby Miller (Kirsten Prout), who The poisonous Typhoid develops a strong mother-daughter, (Natassia Malthe) has student-mentor bond with Elektra.

Elektra in her deadly The attraction between Elektra and clutches.

Mark was likely injected into the story to appeal to viewers who prefer love stories to action flicks, but Elektra is unbeatable at lacked substantial development and growth. They have one conversation Stick’s training comabout the origin of her name and they pound. are, in the words of “Bambi’s” hyperactive bunny Thumper, “twit(RIGHT) Garner returns terpated.” as Elektra, a warrior who This choice creates more com- stands in the center of plication upon the arrival of The Hand, a group of ninja assassins that the ultimate battle between good and evil, in is after Mark and Abby. It takes Elektra nearly half the film to figure the first action event film out why the ninjas are desperate to of the year. capture the pair. The assassin team leader is Kirigi, played by Yun Lee (“Die Another Day”) and his group is composed of Tattoo, Typhoid, Stone and Kinokou.

closed the polarity between the two

groups is easy to identify—the voices of The Hand’s members cause a vibration to pulse up any spine with the brevity and coldness in their words; while the defensive clicking of the “Bo Sticks” at Stick’s retreat are almost soothing.

Words of wisdom were littered throughout the film, but were questionable at times, such as a moment when Elektra attempts to soothe her student with the words, “Everbody lies Abby.

Nobody tells the truth.”

Terence Stamp, well known for his role as General Zod, the supervillain from “Superman” and “Superman II,” brought in an array of more traditional wholesome proverbs with his character Stick. At times it sounded as if he was quoting from a pocketbook of proverbs, but the messages still have staying power.

“Some lessons can’t be taught, they must be lived,” Stick said.

In “reality” one of the lessons we learn is unlike movies life does not have a soundtrack. The perfect song or musical score will not boom from the heavens during crucial moments in life.

“Elektra” was filled with more music than dialogue, which probably explains why Stick utters phrase after phrase of influential words any time he is on screen.

Composer Christophe Beck (“Under the Tuscan Sun,” “Bring it On”) scored this film so beautifully that at times it feels like watching a music video. By the end of the film, the balance between good and evil is tipped, but the balance between intense and mellow music is in equilibrium.

Garner’s performance as Elektra makes her a hero to an overambitious story, but the villainous writers do an injustice to a genre that was heading in a positive direction with films like “Spiderman,” “X-Men,” and their sequels.

January 20, 2005

ACID

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 10

continued from page 7

Madness, which mainly deals with the authors’ government documents that let the readers in on the crazy tactics and extreme lengths that the CIA took in order to find this serum, but in reality Lee and Shlain reveal how the CIA put LSD-25 out on the streets through their MK-ULTRA program—a special program solely for the purpose of testing LSD on people.

This book is perfect for those who enjoy reading about the 1960s counterculture movement. The rest of the sections cover the lives of Timothy Leary, a crazy Harvard professor who was a devoted LSD user and administered the drug on campus for testing. The book also lets readers in on the life of Aldous Huxley, who was best known for writing “A Brave New World,” but whose personal LSD experiences led him to write the psychedelic manifesto, “Doors of Perception.”

This book opened my eyes to a whole

new world of counterculture drug use and it was no surprise that Jim Morrison of The Doors, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin all “dropped acid.” But what did surprise me was the availability of the drug.

Though this book is not a new release, it does deserve to be read as soon as possible for its excellent chronological history of the drug, and well-documented facts provided by Lee and Shlain. Their strenuous research efforts provide the reader incredible revelations of a crazy period in the history of America that involved LSD as the driving force for several greats of that time, such as poet Allen Ginsberg—who by the way did help Lee and Shlain out in the research of this book—artist Andy Warhol, and journalist Hunter S. Thompson. These were the times and the people that created such a spectacular period, and this book allows readers to take a closer look into the past and the influences of the 1960s.

Courtesy of Valley Symphony Orchestra

CRESCENDO - The Valley Symphony Orchestra, led by Peter Dabrowski, pick up their instruments at the lift of a baton as they rehearse today for their upcoming show in McAllen.

POPS

continued from page 7

inal work by UTPA music major Salvador Marmolejo.

Dabrowski feels that the Valley is full of talented musicians, students included, and composers and enjoy showcasing their skills. Dabrowski estimates

TECH

that there are about 40 students playing with both orchestras.

The concert begins at 4 p.m. and ticket prices vary. For further information call the VSO Office at (956) 3932294.

continued from page 7

“They buy because it’s something new portable, but also compact. Macintosh has introduced the Mac Mini. It is a petite 2- they want,” Perales said.

The Plasma TV, according to Perales, inch tall, 6.5-inch square aluminum box with a 1.25 or 1.42 GHZ G4 processor (like was a huge holiday gift item.

“The advantage of a Plasma TV is the a Pentium 4 for the P.C.), 40 or 80 GB hard drive (one gigabyte is about 711 floppy clarity,” he said. “The disadvantage is the disks), a CR-R/DVD ROM and 256 MB. It life expectancy. Manufactures suggest it has a life of 60,000 allows you to conhours. Depending nect your digital devices, such as a “The advantage [to a on the usage and model it can last camera, iPod, printto 15 years.” er, camcorder and wireless computer] is that sevenEven though keyboard to the customers are told Mac Mini. you can move around, this information, According to Plasma TVs are one apple.com it is advertised as, anywhere in your home,” of the most marketable new “Everything you devices. ever wanted, noth-J.C. Salinas, The United ing you don’t States is a conneed.”

RadioShack Senior Sales Associate sumer society and But is that everyone who owns exactly what cona cell phone is living proof of that. sumers are looking for?

Eddie Hernandez, a freshman at Rick Perales, a sales associate at Sears in La Plaza Mall, said that the items that Memorial High School who owns one said, have sold the most lately are Plasma TVs “We are advancing pretty quickly, and and digital video cameras. He said that we’re doing things we didn’t before…we people do not necessarily buy electronics didn’t have all of this fifty years ago and because of the technology; it is more for fifty years from now I can’t even imagine.”

He might be right. “Jetson’s” impossithe features, or the multi-function capabilbilities may soon become realities. ities.

January 28, 2005

NEWS

January 20, 2005

continued from page 1

force was handed to university President Dr. Blandina Cardenas in December, outlining the necessity of a reduced schedule for faculty based purely on faculty needs.

Currently, faculty can apply for a release time in their schedule, primarily to allow time for research. The workload reduction would make this extra research time a permanent fixture. Research-based universities around the country have smaller work loads, preferring to have faculty concentrate on academic research and grants. UT-Austin and Texas A&M are good examples. Teaching-based schools, like UTPA, usually have higher class loads with less of a research demand.

One less teaching hour spent outside the classroom, Dr. Dora Saavedra explains, would allow time for professors to write grant proposals specifically for research purposes.

This would be especially useful for the science departments, where research often takes time, not to mention money that the university does not always have.

Less work means more research, ideally.

But despite the plans to make UTPA more of a research university, those who favor the reduction insist that students and teaching will not suffer.

“Classes still have to be taught,” said Saavedra, who is part of the honors program at UTPA and a communication department faculty member.

It is this issue alone that has the power to make or break the workload shift, and Saavedra was quick to note that UTPA will “simply need more of everything.”

Some predict the recent removals of Dean Rodolfo Rocha of the College of Arts and Humanities, and Dean Hilda Medrano of the College of Education, are possibly the beginning of many such transitions on campus. Aldridge and Saavedra said this is not necessarily so.

“We have to remain sensitive to those who came to UTPA to fulfill the teaching role.

There was an understanding,” Saavedra explained.

Aldridge and many other professors remain adamant that research plays a key part in both the careers of faculty and of students, claiming that the learning experience is only enhanced by having a stronger research faculty. The theory goes that faculty research can be used in class as a teaching tool depending on the discipline, and many suggest that it plays a part in showing students what the world of academia and research is all about, possibly increasing student interest in gradu-

UTPA

ate school. “…only if we can maintain a level of faculty,” Saavedra said. She also explained that those who have been hired in the past 10 years generally had the understanding that research would eventually come into play more prominently in the future of UTPA. Saavedra’s solution to the possibility of losing older faculty or those who can’t keep up with the increased research requirement entails a heavy recruitment plan over the next few months. Aldridge adds that the possibility of fewer classes being offered is also very real.

“The problem is the number of semester hours versus less class offerings because of less faculty available to teach them,” Aldridge said.

However, one professor who wished to remain anonymous said, “History shows that institutions seeking to give faculty less teaching time have eventually brought more new faculty.”

Overall, both Saavedra and Aldridge explained how graduate students will be utilized in teaching classes, one of the main complaints that students at large, researchbased universities have. Too, professors may have to become more creative in using the class time they do have. Cheaper methods of teaching are required, and in abundance.

The vicious cycle continues. If fewer classes are offered, it could be that not as many students will be attending UTPA, working directly against reports that university enrollment is expected to keep rising in the next 10-20 years, eventually topping 40,000.

If enrollment slows, so will revenue from tuition, possibly translating into a fee increase for those students who do choose to study at UTPA. “This is far down the list of options,” said Aldridge. “The university has always been sensitive to the financial burden down here.”

More than 80 percent of UTPA students receive some sort of financial aid, but it seems students may unfortunately bear the brunt of changes in teaching requirements, and the student-professor relationship unique to UTPA may suffer.

Saavedra said, “We are going to lose that [relationship] unless we get more faculty.”

A sad, but real possibility, as Aldridge also said. “I have cherished the relationship between students and faculty, but you have to be realistic, and you hope in your heart that it will continue.”

Financial Facts

Source: UTPA Points of Excellence

WORKLOAD

Page 11

Joel De La Rosa/The Pan American

OBSTACLE — Due to the uncooperative conditions, weather became the protagonist against which Greeks struggled to recruit brothers and sisters Thursday at the Quad.

REYNOSA

continued from page 1

Frontera that despite the rumors visitors are safe in Reynosa.

“It’s an isolated incident,” Salgado said about the Izaguirre murder. “However, the new mayor has stated once again that he is going to be doing whatever is necessary to have safety for tourists and the residents of Reynosa.”

VISITOR HESITATION However, as investigations continue, many tourists now deal with fear and uncertainty caused by last year’s warning and the ongoing rumors about organized crime. This has led many to believe that there could be a dramatic drop in the number of tourists Reynosa caters to.

Murray Johnson, a Winter Texan from Illinois, said that in the past he and his wife would visit Reynosa during their stay in the Valley, but with all that has been said about the risks they have opted to visit Las Flores instead.

“It’s just not safe in Reynosa anymore,” Johnson said. “The number of crimes is alarming and because we are unfamiliar with the place we have to pay attention to the warnings. We now go to Las Flores because it has a more calm and safe atmosphere.”

What remains unclear is how the events and their interpretation will this affect Reynosa’s business and economy if more people, like Johnson, choose to visit other border cities or simply decide not to go at all.

According to the Alberto Davila, economy and finance chair of The University of Texas-Pan American, there are many variables that come into play to determine an answer.

“First, we would have to establish what exactly is stopping tourists from visiting Reynosa and not just assume that the crime rate is that reason,” Davila said. “It could be that people have found an alternative to visiting or shopping at Reynosa. Maybe they are now going to places like Nuevo Progreso, which in fact shows to be prospering thanks to tourism.”

Others argue that tourism is not an issue that would affect Reynosa’s economy.

Maria de los Angeles Espinosa, economy professor at the Instituto Tecnologico de Reynosa, said that tourism there has been diminishing over the years and that it does not play a primary role in Reynosa’s economy.

“Industrial growth is what keeps Reynosa’s economy afloat,” Espinosa explained. “Reynosa’s economy has become self-sufficient over the years due to the commercial expansion and maquiladoras. Even though certain sectors do benefit from tourism, they don’t contribute as much to the economy as some people think they do.”

Pharmacies are one of the local businesses profiting from tourism. Due to the high cost of medicines in the market, many U.S. citizens visit Reynosa in search of affordable alternatives. In fact, there are more pharmacies than any other business directly across the international bridge.

According to pharmacist Myrella Gonzales, her business is still visited by many tourists in spite of the negative reputation Reynosa’s streets have gained.

“When we heard that Matamoros had issued the warning we were worried and expected to see less costumers,” Gonzales said. “They walk over the bridge just to buy the medicines, even very late at night. I guess their need for medicine is greater than a fear of being robbed.”

Reynosa’s authorities are confident with the changes the new administration has made and city officials continue to encourage tourism. As part of its promoting efforts the city will host a welcoming festival for Winter Texans Jan. 22.

Reynosa resident Maria de Jesus Nicolas said that the situation has always been the same and that if tourists felt safe in the past they should feel safe now.

“Name one city that has no crime, or better yet, name one city without corruption.

There isn’t a place in the world exempt from these problems,” Nicolas said. “I think that the media are making people paranoid because in reality Reynosa isn’t a threat like the warning said. The key to be safe is to play it safe and that’s it.”

NEWS

January 20, 2005

Page 12

Ceremony for Bush triggers protest

By CLARISSA MARTINEZ The Pan American It’s Inauguration Day for President George W. Bush that calls for a $40 million celebration of the Republican Party remaining in office for the next four years. But for one group in The Rio Grande Valley, the inauguration is an opportunity to spread the word of peace.

The local activist group, People for Peace and Justice, will hold an anti-war rally in protest of Bush’s inauguration and the war in Iraq, Thursday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bentsen Tower in McAllen, at the intersection of Bus. 83 and Bicentennial.

Afterward, the group will gather at “A lavish amount of money, is Archer Park as at least going to be spent on this inaua dozen speakers discuss strategies for the guration. While this is happennext four years.

People for Peace ing people are dying in Iraq and Justice is a grassbecause of the war.” roots organization that advocates nonviolence -Samuel Freeman, and justice. According UTPA political science professor to the Utah section, the group stands “against violence and all forms of terrorism, including war.

We defend the rights of all people living in the United States.

We advocate a U.S. foreign policy that is in the interest of all people everywhere. It is crucial that we defend the Constitutional rights and civil liberties that are fundamental to a democratic society.”

According to an article in the Seattle Post, although Bush met protesters when he was sworn in during 2001, inaugural protests are historically rare.

“There are some in this country who are just not in the mood to let the president have his day in the sun,” said James Hudnut-Beumler, dean of Vanderbilt University’s Divinity School and an expert in protest movements.

According to Dr. Samuel Freeman, the group is part of a nationwide effort to show resistance to the Bush Administration’s continued occupation of Iraq. Freeman, an associate professor of political science at The University of Texas-Pan American, opined that the Bush Administration has planned a pretentious inauguration.

“A lavish amount of money is going to be spent on this inauguration,” Freeman said. “While this is happening people are dying in Iraq because of the war.”

A priest from the San Juan Parish first initiated the organization People for Peace and Justice over two years ago. From September 2001 until May 2002 the group often met, but soon stopped its weekly meetings. After the United States went to war, the group decided to hold peace rallies around McAllen.

“People from diverse backgrounds have been coming to the protests,” Freeman explained. “They have been very rep-

People for Peace and Justice hosts anti-war rally Date: Jan. 20 Time: 5 - 7 p.m.

Place: Corner of Bicentennial & Bus. 83, McAllen

resentative of the people of the Valley. Elderly people who have retired to the Valley have attended; 30-40 year olds from all different professions come. College students from UTPA and STC also make up the crowd.”

In other parts of the nation, different forms of protests are being planned. In Austin, the group Austin Against War will be gathering on the east and west sidewalks of the Congress Avenue Bridge to “say NO to the Bush Regime’s unjust and immoral agenda and to bring the troops home now,” according to one source. Other groups are asking people to not purchase anything today, while others are planning to turn their back on the President’s Inauguration Parade in Washington D.C.

WATER SAFETY

Joey Cortez/The Pan American

Rounders— Student John H. Wilson and bussiness major Mike Garza holds on to their chips as Associate Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services Dennis McMillan deals the next set of cards. Friday during Texas Hold’em Poker tournament at the Student Union.

Visit The Pan American Web site! http://www.panam.edu/depts/panamerican

“Some people after years of drinking water, in excess of the limits, may experience problems with their liver, kidney or central nervous system, and may have increased risk of getting cancer,” Salinas said.

After this first-time incident, Mercedes water is now safe to drink, Salinas said. A sample of water is tested every quarter by the state and for the current quarter Mercedes TTHM level is at .058 mg/L. “The City of Mercedes is in the process of installing a chlorine dioxide generator, which will help reduce the amount of TTHM’s even further,” he explained.

Rose Gomez, a junior majoring in graphic design, was not really concerned “I can’t stand about the notice she received natural spring informing her of the excessive water; it has a amount of kind of grassy TTHMs in the water because she flavor,” only drinks bottled water, a habit -Rose Gomez, that she picked up graphic design student from her mother.

“I never liked the way tap water tasted,” Gomez said. “My son and I only drink bottled water. He doesn’t even like it when I make juice or cook with tap water.”

Many people feel the same, since bottled water is the world’s fastest growing beverage with prices averaging about 89 cents for a 1-gallon jug. There are five main types of bottled water available, according to consumerreports.org. Spring water comes from underground formation and must flow naturally to the earth’s surface or

continued from page 3 a sanitary borehole.

While purified drinking water has been processed to remove chlorine and some dissolved solids such as magnesium, the source of purified drinking water does not need to be named unless it comes from an untreated public source.

Sparkling water is naturally carbonated from spring of artesian wells. However, seltzer is regulated by the FDA as a soft drink and has less strict rules than bottled water.

The last type of bottled water is mineral water, which is spring water that still contains solids such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium.

There are many different types of bottled water available, but are they actually safer or healthier than tap water?

According to a four-year study conducted on over 1,000 bottles of water by the Natural Resources Defense Council, there is no assurance that just because the water comes out of a bottle it is any cleaner or safer than water from the tap.

The study found that an estimated 25 percent or more of bottled water is really just tap water in a bottle; sometimes the water is treated, sometimes not.

The study also found that 22 percent of the brands tested contained chemical contaminants such as TTHMs, at levels above strict state health limits. They also warned that some of these contaminants could cause cancer or other health concerns after consumption over a long period of time.

“I think it’s true,” Gomez said. “I can tell the difference between bottled waters. I can’t stand natural spring water; it has a kind of grassy flavor. There are also some times when we buy water from the mills and it doesn’t taste any better than tap water.”

January 20, 2005

SPORTS CLIPBOARD

SPORTS

Page 13

FOR THE RECORD NFL Wild Card Games

Kings 113, Blazers 107

Percentages: FG .470 FT .706 3-Point

Nuggets 116, Sonics 110

goals: 4-13, .308 (Harbert 4). Blocked shots: 2 (Donlon 1, Selvage 1). Turnovers:

Saturday, Jan. 8

Monday, Jan. 17

12 (Fuqua 3, Selvage 2, Attaway 2,

St. Louis 27, Seattle 20

Bulls 88, Knicks 86

N.Y. Jets 20, San Diego 17 OT

Bucks 99, Bobcats 92

1). Steals: 6 (Harbert 2, President 2,

Sunday, Jan. 9

Sixers 95, Hornets 91

Millsap 1, Posey 1). Personal Fouls: 20

Indianapolis 49, Denver 24

Pistons 94, Suns 80

(Harbert 4, Millsap 4, Fuqua 4, Attaway 4,

Street visits UTPA

Minnesota 31, Green Bay 17

Kings 89, Clippers 83

Owens 1, President 1, Posey 1, Selvage

Second of three vies for A.D. job

Divisional Playoffs

Scott Street, 43, current senior associate athletic director at The University of Texas-San Antonio, met Wednesday with administrators as the next candidate for the athletic director position opening left by William Weidner in November.

He is the second of three candidates to meet with members of the appointed search committee as well as with Jim Langabeer; who will personally choose the next director once interviews are over.

Chris King, current associate athletic director at Alabama, was interviewed last week.

“There are many things that attract me about UTPA,” Street said in Wednesday’s edition of the Monitor. “First and foremost, my wife and I love South Texas with my experience with the UT System and the board of regents, I think that gives me a complete understanding of what they’re looking for.”

Street has been with UTSA since 1998. Next week, the interviews conclude with former Utah State Athletic Director Rance Pugmire.

Langabeer will give his decision no more than 24 hours after Pugmire has left campus.

Lady Bronc is Newcomer of the Week Pierce comes on strong Last week’s home game against Prairie View A&M was a nailbiter as The University of Texas-Pan American women’s basketball team sealed a three-point victory 58-55. One of the team’s fabulous freshmen was a standout.

The story of the night was freshman Tynesha Pierce who dropped a huge 20-point game, which vaulted her into the top spot in scoring average at 8.6 per game. It was the seventh time that the fiery freshman Lady Bronc has scored in double digits. The six-foot forward also dominated the paint with seven rebounds.

This performance captured Pierce a big honor, as she was named the Newcomer of the Week in Division 1 Independent Women’s Basketball.

The next women’s home game will be Saturday against IndianaPurdue University-Fort Wayne at 7 p.m.

Bronc center out with injury Another Bronc starter shelved The bad news concerning health just keeps on coming for the Broncs, as senior center Alvaidas Gedminas has been placed on the injured list. A couple of broken bones in his left foot will keep the native Lithuanian on the bench for awhile.

This will definitely have a major impact on the team, which is still without injured leading scorer Sergio Sanchez, out since midDecember. Gedminas, a 7-foot senior, had shown vast improvement in his final season in Edinburg, averaging 9.1 points per game and shooting 56.6 percent from the field. A key feature that the senior center brought to the table was the height advantage, that has allowed him to collect a team-leading 111 rebounds so far. Now his absence leave as hole to fill in the middle for a scrappy team that had been trying to plug a gap on the perimeter.

Former UTPA men’s head coach Bob Hoffman first picked up Gedminas as a transfer student from Kirkland Community College, where he averaged a double-double (points/rebounds) a game. As a KCC Firebird he was named NJCAA All-America and also was MVP of the 2003 NJCAA All-Star Game.

The injury occurred at a daily practice, and it might cause Gedminas the rest of his final season at UTPA.

President 2, Owens 1, Harbert 1, Millsap

Spurs 101, Wizards 73

1).

Raptors 100, Timberwolves 91

Saturday, Jan. 15 Pittsburgh 20, N.Y. Jets 17

Grizzlies 99, Rockets 80

UTPA.................44 46- 90

Jazz 102, Lakers 94

UTSA.................33 45- 78

Warriors 102, Nuggets 97

Women’s Box

Atlanta 47, St. Louis 17

Sunday, Jan. 16

Sunday, Jan. 16

Philadelphia 27, Minnesota 14

Raptors 102, Hornets 99

New England 20, Indianapolis 3

Sonics 105, Cavaliers 97

JAN. 19, 2005 UTPA 78, HT 45 UTPA FG

Saturday, Jan. 15

Conference Championships Sunday, Jan. 23

FT Reb

min M-A M-A O-D-T A

Pts

Bulls 86, Knicks 84

Guin

28

0-4

0-0

0-3-3 3

0

Hawks 103, Bobcats 95

Reed

33

5-14 1-2

2-4-6 2

12

Wizards 108, Suns 103

Daniel

30

2-7

1-2

5-2-7 2

Pistons 99, Sixers 95

Montaque 8

4-8

0-0

0-1-1

3

11

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 2 p.m.

Magic 85, Pacers 84

Schamel 25

1-3

2-2

0-1-1 0

4

AFC Championship Game

Grizzlies 101, Bucks 82

Wilson

New England at Pittsburgh, 5:30 p.m.

Timberwolves 92, Blazers 84

Roberts

Rockets 73, Spurs 67

Piwonka

Super Bowl XXXIX

Mavericks 98, Nets 93

Pierce

Sunday, Feb. 6

Cavaliers 84, Jazz 71

Arriola

2

2-5

0-1-1

0

4

Kings 99, Clippers 95

Gooden

13

2-5 0-0 6-5-11

1

4

1

0-0 0-0

0-0-0

0

0

Ramirez 10

0-2 2-2

2-0-2

1

2

NFC Championship Game

NFC Champion vs. AFC Champion

Lakers 104, Warriors 102

Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville, Fla.

UTPA SPORTS

AFC-NFC Pro Bowl

Totals

3

0-0

0-0

0-1-1 2

4

25

3-5

0-0

0-0-0 2

8

8

1-3

0-2

0-1-1 1

2

8-11 6-8 6-4-10 0

22

14

Knerr

5

0-1

200 28-67 16-23 25-30-55 17 78

Basketball

Sunday, Feb. 13

Percentages: FG .418, FT .696. 3-Point

Men’s Box

Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii Note: All times central standard time

JAN. 17, 2005 UTPA 90, UTSA 78

Intramural Rec-Sports

UTPA FG

4-4 Volleyball

goals: 6-19, .316 (Montaque 3, Roberts 2, Reed 1). Blocked shots: 5 (Pierce 2, Schamel 1, Daniel 1, Ramirez 1).

Turnovers: 23 (Daniel 4, Ramirez 3, Guin

FT Reb

2, Reed 2, Wilson 2, Pierce 2, Arriola 2,

min M-A M-A O-D-T A Pts

Gooden 2, Montaque 1, Piwonka 1,

Entry due: Jan. 28

East

31

3-5 2-2

2-2-4

0

8

Roberts 1). Steals: 18 (Reed 4, Arriola 3,

Games begin: Feb. 1

Berry

34

3-9 3-6

0-3-3

5

11

Pierce 3, Montaque 2, Ramirez 2, Wilson

Fagan

30

7-12 7-10 5-6-11 1

24

2, Guin 1, Daniel 1). Personal Fouls: 19

Punt-Pass-Kick

Montalvo 40

5-15 6-6

0-4-4 9

9

(Pierce 5, Daniel 4, Arriola 3, Roberts 3,

Entry due: Feb. 3

Sanders

0

0-0 0-0

0-0-0

0

0

Montaque 2, Knerr 1, Ramirez 1).

Games begin: Feb. 1

Castillo

33

5-11 0-0

4-3-7

1

15

Trader

11

1-2 1-2 1-3-4

0

3

Lange

11

4-4 0-0 1-1-2

1

8

7

1-1 0-0 0-1-1

0

2

Softball Entry due: Feb. 4 Games begin: Feb. 7

Shankle Totals

200 29-59 19-26 16-24-40 17 90

HUSTON-TILLOTSON FG

FT Reb

min M-A M-A O-D-T A Pts Ellis

31 0-1 0-0

Taylor

29 1-6

3-3 0-0-0

0-2-2 4 0

0 5

Soccer

Percentages: FG .492 FT .731. 3-Point

Carter

40 5-18 1-1 0-5-5

1

13

Entry due: Feb. 4

goals: 13-29, .448 (Castillo 5, Fagan 3,

Mosley

28 3-9 7-9

3-6-9 2

13

Games begin: Feb. 7

Montalvo 3, Berry 2). Blocked shots: 3

Barish

16 0-2 1-2

0-0-0

0

1

(East 1, Fagan 1, Lange 1). Turnovers: 13

Parrilla

19 1 -5

2-4 1-4-5

1

4

Note: Applications can be picked up at

(Fagan 6, Montalvo 5, Castillo 1). Steals:

Sansom

11 1-5

0-0

0-0-0

1

2

Bronc Village Apt. #2101 or call 292-0839

3 (Berry 2, Fagan 1). Personal Fouls: 17

Ingraham

9 0-1

0-0 1-1-2

1

0

(Lange 4, Montalvo 3, Berry 3, Castillo 3,

Davis

8

2-4

1-2 0-0-0

0

5

East 2, Fagan 2).

Williams

9

0-1

2-2 0-1-1

0

2

NBA Wednesday, Jan. 19

Totals

200 13-52 17-23 10-20-30 10 45

UTSA

Celtics 92, Bulls 83

FG

Raptors 98, Knicks 81

Percentages: FG .250 FT .739 3-Point

FT Reb

min M-A M-A O-D-T A Pts

goals: 2-14, .143 (Carter 2). Blocked

Nets 96, Bucks 90

Owens

26 4-9 0-0

1-2-3

0

8

shots: 4 (Carter 2, Mosley 2). Turnovers:

Heat 111, Hawks 92

Harbert

34 9-13 2-2

0-3-3

0

24

Hornets 90, Pacers 87

President 25 1-4 0-0 1-5-6

1

2

Spurs 80, Clippers 79

Millsap

31 9-14 1-2

4

19

(Taylor 3, Ellis 2, Mosley 2, Davis 2,

Grizzlies 98, Suns 79

Fuqua

32 5-10 4-7 2-3-5 0

14

Sansom 1, Carter 1). Personal Fouls: 20

Attaway

15

0-3

1-2

0-2-2

2

1

(Mosley 4, Williams 4, Taylor 3, Carter 3,

Posey

20

1-8

4-4

0-1-1

2

6

Parrilla 2, Davis 2, Ingraham 1, Ellis 1).

Tuesday, Jan. 18

Donlon

2

0-0

0-0

0-2-2

2

7

Magic 103, Pistons 101

Selvage

15

2-5

0-0

2-1-3 2

4

UTPA........................35 43- 78

Pacers 87, Rockets 74,

Totals

200 31-66 12-17 12-22-34 12 78

HT..............................24 21- 45

Sixers 107, Bobcats 105

Cavaliers 107, Blazers 101

Mavericks 137, Wizards 120

2-3-5

28 (Mosley 7, Carter 6, Ingraham 6, Taylor 4, Sansom 2, Ellis 1, Davis 1). Steals: 11

January 20, 2005

SPORTS

Page 14

Lady Broncs victorious Lady Hoops Statistics Season Results All Games Date 11-19-04 11-20-04 11-23-04 11-26-04 11-28-04 12-01-04 12-04-04 12-06-04 12-11-04 12-23-04 12-20-04 12-29-04 12-31-04 1-02-05 1-08-05 1-11-05 1-19-05

Overall Home (7-9) (7-1) Opponent at Marshall vs UNC Asheville TAMIU at Oral Roberts at Tulsa SAGU at Colorado State at Wyoming TXST UTPB NT at Lafayette at Morgan State at Oklahoma State NAU PVAMW HUSTON-TILLOTSON

Away (0-8) w/l L W W L L W L L L W L W W L L W W

Neutral (0-0) Score 79-43 65-52 85-49 75-65 65-49 76-40 77-36 76-51 66-61 92-45 57-50 59-51 68-55 62-48 50-41 58-55 78-45

Attend 507

894 1,046 550 1,321 559 600 417 475 248 500 1,032 223 183 1,238

rican

Cumulative Team Stats as of Tuesday, Jan. 19

Pan

Ame

Jennifer Arriola /Th e

Today, some lady hoopsters will wake up with bruises.

The inevitable result of teamwork combined with an aggressive defense, led the Lady Broncs to a 78-45 thrashing over Huston-Tillotson (3-14) at the UTPA Field House Wednesday night.

Late in the game players shoved each other and tempers flared as Tillotson collapsed under a Bronc defense that held them to 25 percent shooting from the field.

UTPA (8-9) was able to capitalize on turnovers, scoring 23 points as a direct result.

Freshman forward Tynesha Pierce scored her first double-double with a career high 22 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 8-of-11 from the field and 6of-8 from the line. She also led the team in personal fouls with five.

“It was her first doubledouble as a collegiate player,” head coach Deann Craft said of Pierce. “I thought she was pretty relentless rebounding tonight.

She’s continuing to make strides defensively, that’s the area where we’re still trying to groom her.”

Pierce was honored as Division I Independent Women’s Basketball Newcomer during the week of Jan. 1117 “There’s no doubt, I thought she got some much needed baskets,” Craft said.

“Every time she touches there’s a pretty good chance something good is going to happen, this was a big night for her and we tried to utilize her.

“If we can keep her from fouling so much then maybe we can have more of these [games] in the future,” Craft said.

Junior guard Devin Reed contributed 12 points and six rebounds to the cause while Dominique Montague added 11 points and three assists, going 4-of-8 from the field with a team-high three treys.

UTPA led only 35-24 at the half but blasted HT in the second half, 43-21.

“I thought their [Tillotson] little half-

court press caused us some problems and you know we work on those kinds of things,” Craft said about adjustments made. “We weren’t really effective on how fluently we moved the ball. I would say our guard play would need to get sharpened up before we play on Saturday.”

Pierce also left room for improvement.

“Everything always needs improvement,” she said. “We need to work on running our transitions.”

Despite things that can be improved on a fast break, Pierce said that the Lady Broncs rebounded well and showed this by “crashing the boards, helping each other out, and passing” The Lady Broncs host Indiana PurdueFort Wayne

tes

By JOEY GOMEZ The Pan American

a M

(2-14) on Saturday, Jan. 22.

“We have two wins in a row, this one was an expected win but I thought we were decisive in the second half,” Craft said. “Our mental focus needs to improve…I think we did a great job tonight on the backboard. We rebounded and had 25 offensive boards but very few led to points.

“There’s definitely room for this team to improve, we still haven’t hit our stride.”

an erv C s rc o

UTPA 947 59.2 .395 .310 .625 584 36.5 371 23.2 186 11.6 2,448 350

Scoring Points per game Field goal pct 3-point pct Free throw pct Rebounds per game Turnovers per game Steals per game Attendance Avg Home game Score by Halves UTPA Opponents

1st 444 425

Opp 954 59.6 .393 .304 .678 570 35.6 367 22.9 184 11.5 6,107 763

2nd 503 529

total 947 954

Individual Statistics

GP-GS 20 Pierce,T............ 15-0

Min FG% 3pt% FT% R/G A/G STL BLK 15.1 .462 .000 .704 3.5 0.4 16 5

24 Schamel, M.........15-10

19.7

.525

.000

.500

4.1

0.5

15

10

7.9

12 Reed, D...............16-16

27.1 .315

.268

.744

3.0

2.0

27

6

7.5

02 Guin, K................16-15

24.6

.366

.367

.571

2.3

3.4

18

1

7.3

15 Montague, D........16-15

27.1

.365 .276

.727

3.3

1.9

13

1

7.3

04 Roberts, A............15-1

13.6

.382

.383

.632

1.5

0.5

11

0

5.9

13 Daniel, M.............16-16

24.4

.434

.000

.405

7.2

1.2

27

26

5.4

43 Gooden, S.............16-3

13.6

.422

.000

.773

2.4

0.6

9

5

3.4

11 Piwonka, J.............16-0

9.0

.517

.429 .667

0.6

0.6

7

0

2.4

34 Arriola, J...............14-3

8.3

.429

.000

2.5

0.1

8

6

2.0

01 Wilson, T...............13-0

8.3

.435

.000 1.000

0.8 1.2

14

0

1.6

32 Kneer, D.................9-0

6.1

.250

.000 1.000

1.7 0.0

2

2

1.6

23 Cheadle, D............13-1

8.6

.120

.000

1.1 0.7

10

0

0.7

33 Ramirez. C............10-0

6.7

.091 .000 1.000

1.0

9

0

0.6

.395 .393

36.5 13.4 35.6 12.2

186 184

62 20

59.2 59.6

Total......................16 Opponents............16

.364

.570

.310 .625 .304 .678

1.0

PTS/G 8.6

SPORTS

January 20, 2005

Page 15

Broncs try to shake off road-game slump

By JOEY GOMEZ The Pan American The Broncs made a special appearance at home before hitting the road yet again after less than a week of sipping Valley air. This is life for the average Bronc hoopster.

The Broncs showed that they have the skill and talent to win games, if Monday’s 90-73 rout of UT-San Antonio is any indication.

The key is overcoming this season’s biggest challenge; winning on the road is something that has eluded this homebound team all year.

UTPA (8-9) takes on Alcorn State (4-12) today in Lorman, Miss. only three days after playing against the Roadrunners in their first home game since Dec. 23. The Broncs are 0-8 on the road.

Head Coach Robert Davenport said that players as well as coaches don’t like to look at the games behind them as much as concentrating on the natural progression of the team over the course of a semester.

“We can still play better than we have,” Davenport said.

The Alcorn State Braves are 3-3 at home and 1-7 on the road, for 4-10 overall. If there is any opportunity for the Broncs to set things straight away from home it’s now. For the season, UTPA averages 69.2 points per game compared to opponents 71.5. The Braves have been outscored this season averaging 58.9 points per game to opponents 71.2.

They also trail opponents in assists (180-217) per game, rebounds (532-561) and bear a .381 field goal percentage compared to opponents

.459.

The Broncs get a breather on the road this week before hosting A&M-Corpus Christi next Wednesday.

The Islanders (11-5) who recently played No. 18 Oklahoma, losing 86-61, are rising in the Division I ranks being only one of four Independents eligible for NCAA tournament consideration.

The chance for this opportunity is small, however, without an automatic bid for Independents. This makes a team’s record nearly meaningless according to NCAA standards, but it seems to carry more weight when it comes to the National Invitational Tournament, which takes 32 of the best teams left after the NCAA field is announced.

A&M Corpus Christi comes to town on Jan. 26, a date which also marks the start of the Broncs’ 9-game win streak last year on their way to a 14-14 season.

This time the Broncs might have to do without senior guard Sergio Sanchez, and 7-foot center Alvaidas Gedminas who are out with injuries.

Davenport isn’t biased about who starts in place of a star player.

“We’re hopeful we get him (Sanchez) back,” Davenport said. “[Chris] Fagan had a tremendous night but it can be anybody [who starts].”

Senior forward Fagan, notched a doubledouble against UTSA with 24 points and 11 rebounds. He was a perfect 3 for 3 behind the arc. Senior guard Eric Montalvo of La Joya scored 19 points, was 6 for 6 from the free-throw line, and had a career-high 9 assists.

LAY UP - Eric Montalvo, with ball, attempts two against a UTSA defender Monday at the Field House.

The Broncs take to the road once again, playing Alcorn State in Lorman, Miss. tonight, trying to end a season-long losing streak away from home.

The team faces Alcorn State without two of its key players , as Alvaidas Gedminas joined injured Sergio Sanchez on the sidelines after suffering a broken foot recently.

The Broncs return home next week to face Texas A&MCorpus Christi on Wednesday, Jan 26.

Special to the Pan American

Valley star catches eye of UTPA coaches

By JACOB ALEGRIA The Pan American PHARR - High school basketball in the Rio Grande Valley isn’t exactly at the top of the sports pyramid, but every so often a player comes along with above-average talent. Ben Smith has been mentioned around the Valley as the top player in the area by many coaches and local news media.

Smith is currently a senior at P-SJ-A North High School, and has already committed to UTPA. He has led the North Raiders since his sophomore year, helping them win two district titles, and the team is on pace to win a third this season.

Jacob Alegria/The Pan American

KNOCK’EM DOWN - PSJA North senior Ben Smith leaves an impression on local university.

There have been a few Valley basketball players to play a significant role for the Pan Am Broncs through the years; the list may be short but on it are Lalo Rios of Edinburg High, Gabriel Valdez of Weslaco, standout Jesus “Chuy” Guerra (Roma) and current Bronc swingman Eric Montalvo (La Joya).

This is something that Smith knows all too well and hopes to follow in their footsteps and possibly eclipse some of their accomplishments. Valdez was a solid defensive guard for the Broncs back in the early 1990s, and he was an excellent free-throw shooter as well. Guerra was a leader for the team back in the early 1970s, after a high school career that was one of the best in area annals at Roma. The few Valley basketball players that have moved on to play with the Broncs have managed to stand out and Smith realizes that.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about all of them and I hope to live up to their expectations and what they have accomplished and maybe even surpass them,” said Smith The North Raiders faced a far less talented team in the Donna Redskins Tuesday night. The Raiders, one of the top ranked schools in the Valley, are a good team altogether but are even better one when Smith is on target. Although the scrappy Redskin defense was able to frustrate the Raider senior standout Smith, he was able to create shots by using screens and slashing to the basket.

Even when he was being double-teamed he was able to find cutting teammates. Smith’s hustle helps turn tough rebounds into easy ones by using both quickness and technique. At times his determination alone helps him come up with both tough and easy rebounds.

Smith and Company made easy work of the Redskins, beating them 73-48, improving to 21-5 overall and 5-0 in district play.

Even on what was considered to be an off night by some of his coaches, Smith managed to rack up 14 points, including two tough, contested three-point shots. His shooting is not his only talent, because when defensed, his passing skills help him find the open man for an easy assist.

Broncs Head Men’s Basketball Coach Robert Davenport believes Smith has many of the tools to become a great player next year for the Broncs. They will need him to become a contributor

next year due to the impending loss of key senior starters. Although many of Smith’s doubters believe that he is undersized at 6-foot-2, and too thin, Davenport believes he will prove them wrong.

“He is a better athlete than a lot of people think he is just because of the way he plays,” said Davenport.

The next Valley basketball star to hit the hardwood at UTPA next year is loved and praised highly by many at his high school campus and throughout the Valley, but Davenport believes his best basketball is still to come. Smith is expected to continue to develop mentally and physically when he gets here.

“He will mature more physically and will get stronger in a couple of years and so I think his best basketball is still ahead of him,” said Davenport.

His high school coach at North, former Valley All-star Jaime Gongora, believes Smith’s shooting ability is his best asset and will only get better under Davenport and staff. Three-point shooting has been something that the Broncs have done well for most of the season, including guards Sergio Sanchez and Ray Castillo, but both are seniors. Smith’s shooting is something that will surely be needed next season and its something that he does extremely well, according to his coaches.

“He’s probably the best three-point shooter that we’ve ever had here and we’ve had some good ones come through our program,” said Gongora, who started at Hidalgo High and is now firmly entrenched at North.

Gongora praised Smith’s basketball abilities, but adds his character and overall personality make him an even better athlete.

“Pan Am should be proud to have recruited and landed a special person and he comes from a great family, he’s going to represent the university really well,” said Gongora.

Smith who was heavily recruited by other universities such as Baylor, Air Force and Northwestern, along with a few Division II and III schools. Baylor was at the top of his list, but scholarship issues helped him make his final decision. He signed with UTPA in November 2004.

“They (Pan Am) offered me a full scholarship before the early signing period; it’s close to home, and that makes it a lot easier,” said Smith.

SPORTS

Sports Clipboard . . . . . . . . 13 Basketball . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Ben Smith . . . . . . . . . . .15

UTPA Ray of light Bronc golf outing nears

Senior forward aids team effort

By DARYL GONZALES The Pan American After leaving South San Antonio High School as a standout player, Ray Castillo started looking for a chance to continue his passion of playing basketball. Castillo made collegiate début at Incarnate Word University but he was redshirted his first semester.

So Castillo transfered to Temple College, giving him the opportunity to play with former high school teammate Sergio Sanchez. The two led the Leopards to an outstanding 24-7 season record.

It was the second time they would play together on the same team, but it wouldn’t be the last.

During their junior year of eligibility, Castillo and Sanchez made the decision to come to deep South Texas and play for The University of Texas-Pan American Broncs. Castillo said that UTPA was one of many schools to choose from, but it was the only one that wanted both players.

“Ninety percent of the valley is Hispanic, and we just fit in,” Ray Castillo commented about their transfer. “We wanted to stay together, we know each others’games.”

Castillo has always been the type of player who comes off the bench and puts up the numbers that usually are associated with starters; he’s a Reggie Miller-type, dishing out damage from outside the arch. He [Castillo] said that he tries to play like his role model, Miller, an NBA player known for his skills from outside and for his constant battles through life.

Castillo isn’t a selfish person when it comes to admitting who is to thank for his success.

“They [teammates] have everything to do with it,” he said. “I think my job

is to come in and score, and do the best I can defensively.”

This season the senior guard is contributing an average of 7.9 points a game, and has already drained 34 threepointers. Last season he had a record game against Texas A&MInternational, with a career-high 26 points, knocking down eight three-pointers, second on the school’s alltime singlegame list.

M o n d a y Castillo put up 15 huge points in the 90-78 victory against UTSA, all points coming from downtown. That was the best game of the season for the senior guard, who has steadily contributed his part since the absence of teammate Sergio Sanchez who leaves a large gap to fill.

“I’m a role player,” Castillo said. “If they can’t stop you from shooting, then why stop shooting?”

Robert Davenport, UTPA coach, said that the native San Antonian has had his ups and downs, adding that Castillo’s defense has Ray Castillo been at its best this season. The senior guard’s future after his stay at UTPA is unknown, but he does have some interests in mind Castillo said that he really wants to continue playing basketball, but if things don’t work out the way he wants, then he will just go ahead and make use of a degree in kinesiology. He may become a coach in the near future.

The next home game where fans can catch Castillo and the rest of the UTPA Broncs will be Jan. 26 when they take on tough area rival Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at the Field House.

By JOEY HINOJOSA The Pan American On Saturday, Jan. 22 the UTPA Broncs baseball team will hold the 2nd Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament at Monte Cristo Golf Course and Country Club in Edinburg.

For Broncs baseball Head Coach Willie Gawlik the event is an opportunity to help get the program back to an elite status.

“The objective of what we are trying to do with the golf tournament is to get fully funded,” said Gawlik. “We’re trying to get this program reestablished back to where it used to be in the ’70s and ’80s. At one time this was a baseball powerhouse, and we’re trying to get that tradition back and keep it going.”

Last year was the team’s first attempt at a tournament to raise funds for scholarships, and Gawlik felt it was successful enough to warrant a second one.

“I came up with the idea of a golf tournament last year, and we had 85 golfers, so we had a very successful tournament,” said the Bronc head coach, whose team starts the latest season Feb. 4 at home against Texas State in the UTPA Classic.

“We made about $12-to-14,000 last year. Our goal is to make 30,000 this year. I don’t know if we will reach that goal, but you have to set high standards and have high expectations if you want to have success.”

According to Gawlik, the team has 11.7 scholarships and this weekend’s scholarship golf tournament will have a domino effect on 30 players. This event will allow Broncs baseball to have a fully funded scholarship program as allowed by the NCAA. Gawlik is also hoping for an increase in golfers attending the tournament. The third year UTPA coach says there will be plenty of things to do at the Edinburg Golf Course.

“We’re going to have all kinds of stuff going on,” said Gawlik. “We are going to have a live auction, silent auction, door prizes, breakfast

buffet and a lunch buffet.”

The featured alumni guest of the Saturday event will be Houston Astros pitching coach (and former Bronc baseball player) Jim Hickey.

“This year we kind of added to the tournament, and we were lucky to get Jim Hickey from the Houston Astros,” said Gawlik.

“He was an All-American here; he holds the record for the number of victories in the postseason, and number of complete games. He is in the record book in several places.”

The Astros have donated several items of memorabilia that will be auctioned at the event, including baseballs autographed by pitcher Roy Oswalt and first baseman Jeff Bagwell, and a Craig Biggio autographed jersey.

Gawlik is hoping that the Astros pitching coach will enjoy his return to the Valley, and come back next year.

“The athletic department is going to present (Hickey) with a plaque of appreciation, and we are going to present him with a Texas-Pan American jacket and baseball cap,” said Gawlik.

“We want to make sure he has a good time here because we want him to come back next year.

We have to get permission, and see if he’ll do this again, and maybe he can bring a Houston Astro with him next time.”

Along with Hickey, the entire 1983 Broncs baseball team will attend this weekend’s golf tournament.

“We invited the whole team to come in here.

We will have a handful (of players from that team attending). A lot of those people are out of state and they’re not going to make it,” said the Broncs head coach. “Those that can’t make it for the golf tournament are going to be here in March for the Al Ogletree Classic. At that time we are going to honor the 1980 to 1985 teams.

We’re inviting all those people to the Al Ogletree Classic weekend.”

The Al Ogletree classic will take place at Edinburg Baseball Stadium on March 5 and 6.

Marcos Cervantes/The Pan American

NO PICTURES PLEASE - Five-time world champion Johnny Tapia answers questions on Wednesday afternoon during a press conference three days before his fight with Nicky Bentz.